Oirase Trail

Take a scenic walk through Oirase Gorge to Lake Towada

Oirase Gorge is a river valley that stretches 14 kilometers from Nenokuchi on Lake Towada to the hot spring village of Yakeyama. Millennia of volcanic activity in this region shaped the area’s inspiring landscape, forming Lake Towada, a large caldera lake. The ever-changing flow of water from the lake, the source of Oirase Stream, winds through the deep, natural woods of the Oirase Gorge. A gentle forested trail runs parallel to the crystal clear Oirase Stream, with opportunities to take photographs and relax in the leafy surroundings. The area can be explored on foot, rental bike or via a bus service along the road parallel to the trail.

Highlights

Start your walk with a stop at the Oirase Stream Museum

Oirase Stream Museum (Oirase Keiryu Kan Hall)

The Oirase Stream Museum in Yakeyama provides information about the area and its flora and fauna. There is also a bike rental service here. Hikes along the river offer an ideal opportunity to appreciate Oirase’s rich environment.

Follow the course of the stream

A meandering forest stream

The beautiful stream that winds through the forest is Oirase’s standout attraction. The sounds of wild birds and the burbling stream add an extra dimension of enjoyment to the walk. Along the way, enjoy views of waterfalls and rapids. The flow of the stream is particularly impressive at the Samidare-no-Nagare and Ashura-no-Nagare currents, which form attractive rapids.

A cool and refreshing path

A tunnel of greenery

You will find many types of trees along Oirase Gorge, including Japanese beech, Japanese oak, katsura, Japanese horse chestnut and other broad-leaved species. The fresh, vivid greenery of spring and the multicolored foliage of autumn are particularly attractive, and ideal for forest bathing. In summer, the path resembles an alluring green tunnel. The various plants and flowers reflect the changing seasons and create a rewarding sensory experience year-round.

Trail Map

Oirase Trail

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